Lawyer Profiles

Marc-Us Ong, Trainee Solicitor

What’s your current role and how long have you been at the firm?

First-year Trainee Solicitor currently in the Real Estate Disputes team based in the London office.

Give an example of a typical day in your role

I typically get into work at about 9am. I usually start the day by going through my emails to see if there are any urgent tasks to complete. I then start working on matters that I have on-going for different fee-earners. These usually include research into different areas of property litigation for various matters, drafting of legal documents and emails to clients. If I’m not busy, I usually meet other colleagues for lunch. Throughout the day, due to the task-based nature of the department, I may have short catch ups and discussions with various members of the team. I usually leave the office at about 6 to 6.30pm.

What do you enjoy most about working at Charles Russell Speechlys?

Beginning a new job during the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought its own set of challenges. The inability to meet colleagues and have that valuable face-to-face learning in an office environment can be strange and difficult for some. One thing I am appreciative of is that, because of the firm’s inclusive culture, I have never felt alone. I can reach out to any member of my team to ask any questions I may have regarding any task or simply catch up. In general, the firm takes a keen interest in ensuring trainees learn as much as possible and are exposed to different kinds of work. There is also an element of trust that the firm has in their trainees, which is crucial in a job where, sometimes, the best learning happens with experience.

What one piece of advice would you give to a Future Trainee starting in their legal career

It is okay to ask for help if you need it. When starting out, it will be apparent early on that being a trainee is extremely different from being a law student. You may not always have the answers to every question all the time, and that is okay. Seeking guidance when you need it from people who have a vast wealth of experience will enable you to learn faster and be more efficient in whatever you do.